Electric Car Charging Costs
When it comes to electric cars the cost to charge an electric car can vary depending on where and how you charge it. If you have an EV, understanding these costs and the EV charging complexities will help you budget.
Home Charging: Charging an electric car at home is usually the cheapest. If you charge off peak it’s around 7p per kWh. Installing an electric car charger at home can involve costs, but there are incentives and grants available to help reduce these expenses for homeowners with off-street parking.
Public Charging: Public charging stations charge more. Charging an EV to 80% at a public rapid charger will cost between £7 and £10.
| Charging Option | Cost per kWh |
|---|---|
| Home (off-peak) | 7p |
| Fast Charging | 44p |
| Rapid Charging | 55p |
| Ultra-fast Charging | 65p |
How Much Does It Cost To Charge An Electric Car: A Guide
Electric Car Charging Costs
When it comes to electric cars the cost to charge an electric car can vary depending on where and how you charge it. If you have an EV, understanding these costs and the EV charging complexities will help you budget.
Home Charging: Charging an electric car at home is usually the cheapest. If you charge off peak it’s around 7p per kWh. While some people wonder if electric cars charge themselves, it’s important to note that fully self-charging electric cars are not currently available.
Public Charging: Public charging stations charge more. Charging an EV to 80% at a public rapid charger will cost between £7 and £10.
For company car drivers electric cars often have tax benefits which can reduce costs further. Electric cars also have lower maintenance costs with fewer moving parts.
When you calculate the cost per mile electric cars often come out on top. This is mainly because of the lower cost of electricity compared to petrol or diesel. You can use the Journey Cost Calculator to find out more details.
In the end while the initial cost of electric cars might be higher the ongoing costs are often lower especially on energy costs.
Charging Technology
Charging technology is getting better and better for electric car users. Understanding kilowatt hours and charging speed is key and bi-directional charging is new for electric vehicles.
Kilowatt Hours and Charging Speed
A kilowatt hour (kWh) is the unit of measurement for how much energy your electric car uses. It’s used to calculate charging costs and efficiency. The higher the kWh of your car the more energy it can store. Charging speed is how fast your car can be charged.
Charging speeds can be very different. Ultra-rapid charging is one of the fastest options available and allows you to top up your car quickly. For example ultra-rapid chargers can deliver up to 150kW or more and reduce waiting times at public charging points. Always check your car’s battery capabilities as not all cars can handle ultra-rapid charging.
Bi-Directional Charging
Bi-directional charging is a new technology that turns your electric car into a mobile energy source. This system allows electricity to flow both in and out of your car’s battery. Beyond just charging the car this allows energy to be sent back to your home or the grid.
In some cases bi-directional charging can reduce electricity costs by using your car’s stored energy during peak hours. This also supports energy efficiency by sending power back to the grid when demand is low. Make sure your car and charging setup support this function to get the most out of it.
Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure
The electric vehicle charging infrastructure is growing fast with new charging points being installed daily. According to the UK government there are now over 30,000 public charging points in the country with many more to come. This growing network means electric car owners have plenty of opportunities to charge their car at home, work, or at a public charging point.
The infrastructure has various charging points to suit different needs. Slow chargers found at home or in car parks can take several hours to fully charge a car and are ideal for overnight charging. Fast chargers at service stations and shopping centres can charge a car to 80% in 30 minutes and are good for top ups during the day. Rapid chargers are the fastest and can charge a car to 80% in 10-15 minutes and are often at motorway service stations. Knowing the types of chargers and where they are helps electric car owners plan their journeys and charging stops better.
Electric Car Charging and Electricity Demand
As more electric cars hit the road the demand for electricity to charge them increases. EV drivers play a significant role in this growing demand and benefit from specialized energy tariffs that offer financial savings. According to the UK government the electrification of transport could see road transport account for 15-20% of total electricity demand by 2050. This big increase in demand means careful planning and management is needed to ensure the grid can cope.
The government and the Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem) are working together to create a smart, flexible electricity system that can manage this increased demand. One part of this strategy is smart charging which allows electric car owners to charge their car during periods of low electricity demand. This reduces the strain on the grid and saves EV owners money as electricity is often cheaper during off-peak hours.
By smart charging and supporting the growth of the charging infrastructure the transition to electric vehicles can be managed and we can have a sustainable energy system for the future.
Extra Costs and Considerations
When you’re considering charging an electric car you need to think about more than just the electricity costs. Having access to off-street parking can make EV charging at home more affordable and convenient for homeowners who install personal charge points. You should also consider the maintenance and lifespan of EV chargers and any government schemes and incentives that are available to you.
EV Charger Maintenance and Lifespan
Maintaining your electric car charger is key. Regular checks and professional inspections ensure it’s safe and efficient. Home chargers need a professional inspection every few years. Lifespan can be up to 10 years but this varies depending on usage and brand. Gridserve products are often more reliable and last longer.
Consider replacement costs too. Chargers can cost from £300 to £1,500. Look for manufacturer warranties. A longer warranty will save you money in the long run. Charger efficiency decreases with age and charging time. Newer units charge faster and keep up with the cheapest electric car models.
Government Schemes and Incentives
To encourage zero-emission vehicles the government has various incentives. Compared to a petrol car, electric vehicles have lower running costs and emit significantly fewer greenhouse gases over their lifetime. You may be eligible for grants to help with the cost of installing a home charger. For example the Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme helps with up to 75% of the cost.
Other schemes can reduce your power bill. Some companies have special tariffs for off-peak charging. This can make charging your car much cheaper especially when using high-demand public stations like RAC or BP Pulse points.
Be sure to research regional incentives. They differ across the UK and impact the overall cost to charge an electric car.
Electric Car Running Costs vs Petrol or Diesel Car
Comparison of costs and benefits
When it comes to running costs, electric cars generally have the upper hand over petrol or diesel cars. The price to charge an electric car largely depends on the cost of electricity per kWh, which can vary by region and electricity tariff. On average, charging an electric car at home can cost as little as 4p per mile, whereas driving a petrol or diesel car can set you back around 12-15p per mile.
Beyond the lower fuel costs, electric cars also benefit from reduced maintenance expenses. With fewer moving parts and no need for oil changes, the upkeep of an electric vehicle is significantly less demanding than that of a petrol or diesel car. This translates to substantial savings over the vehicle’s lifespan.
However, it’s important to consider that the initial purchase price of an electric car is often higher than that of a petrol or diesel car. Despite this, the long-term savings on fuel and maintenance make electric cars a more cost-effective option in the long run. For company car drivers, the tax benefits associated with electric vehicles can further enhance these savings.
Charging an Electric Car at Home
How to charge an electric car at home
Charging an electric car at home is not only convenient but also cost-effective. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
Install a home charging point: The first step is to install a home charging point, which should be done by a qualified electrician. The cost of a home charging point can vary, typically ranging from £300 to £1,500, depending on the type and quality of the charger.
Choose an electricity tariff: Selecting the right electricity tariff is crucial. Some energy companies offer special tariffs for electric car owners, which can help you save money on your electricity bills. Look for tariffs that offer lower rates during off-peak hours.
Plug in your car: Once your home charging point is installed, simply plug your car into the charger. Most electric cars allow you to monitor the charging process via the car’s dashboard or a mobile app, giving you real-time updates on the charging status.
Charge overnight: Charging your car overnight is often the most economical option, as electricity rates are usually lower during off-peak hours. You can set your car to start charging at a specific time, ensuring it’s fully charged and ready to go by the morning.
By following these steps, you can make the most of home charging, keeping your electric car powered up and your costs down.
Electric Car Charging Time and Efficiency
How long does it take to charge an electric car?
The time it takes to charge an electric car depends on the type of charger and the capacity of the car’s battery. Here are some approximate charging times for different types of chargers:
Slow charger (3kW): Using a slow charger, it typically takes 6-8 hours to fully charge a 60kWh battery. This option is ideal for overnight charging at home.
Fast charger (7kW): A fast charger can fully charge a 60kWh battery in about 3-4 hours, making it a good option for home or workplace charging.
Rapid charger (50kW): Rapid chargers can charge a 60kWh battery to 80% in just 30-60 minutes, perfect for quick top-ups during long journeys.
Ultra-rapid charger (100kW): The fastest option available, ultra-rapid chargers can charge a 60kWh battery to 80% in just 15-30 minutes, significantly reducing waiting times at public charging points.
Understanding the different charging options and their efficiency can help you plan your charging strategy, ensuring your electric car is always ready when you need it.